If you were inspired to take up a sport by the London 2012 Olympics but then quickly dismissed the idea because you thought you were too old – then think again.

A German gymnast has shown age is no barrier to sporting achievement by being named the world's Oldest Gymnast at the age of 86.

Johanna Quaas appeared on This Morning and amazed presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield with her display of strength and agility on the parallel bars.

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Perfect ten: Johanna Quaas performed a flawless routine on the parallel bars on today's This Morning

Defying her age: The 86-year-old balanced upside down and did scissor twists

The 86-year-old from Leipzig performed a flawless routine live on the TV show which included scissor twists, hand stands and a perfect dismount.

Holly could be heard whispering 'oh my gosh' in astonishment as Johanna displayed strength and speed that defied her years.

Before Johanna took to the bars, Holly asked her if she ever felt aches and pains as a result of her exercise regime.

Super gran: Johanna held her own body weight with perfect poise and balance

Never too late: The pensioner said she took the sport up competitively in her Fifties

Johanna replied via a translator: 'Not at all, as soon as I wake up, I'm an early bird so my morning routine is running up and down the stairs.'

As well as running, she regularly does yoga.

She explained that she had been born into a family of gymnasts and did the sport for a time as a child. However, she gave it up to get married and have children and then 'picked it up again' in her Fifties, performing in her first competition at the age of 56.

In a spin: Twists and rolls were no problem for the pensioner

Inspiration: Speaking via a translator, she said she runs up and down the stairs every morning

The gymnast appeared on the ITV show after being officially named the world's Oldest Gymnast in this year's Guinness World Records.

She said: 'It is great feeling to be included and I hope the record inspires others to realise it's never too late.'

The 57th book of records launched today and features a host of weird and wonderful record holders.

Ta dah! The gymnast jumped from the bars with a controlled dismount after the routine

Entrants include Egyptian-born Mostafa Ismail who has the largest biceps and triceps measuring 64.77 cm (25.5 in), and Britain's Sharran Alexander, the world's Heaviest Sportswoman weighing in at a staggering 32 stone.

Animals also featuring heavily in the record book with awards going to the tallest dog and most basketball slam dunks by a parrot.